Karen Bledsoe
Dayton,OH
Summary
Dynamic, strategic-thinking professional with over 30 years of comprehensive experience in media, marketing, sponsorship sales, as well as nonprofit fundraising and leadership. Track record of consistently surpassing revenue goals and effectively leading high-performing teams. A wealth of expertise is brought in developing strategic plans, cultivating strong client relationships, and driving business development initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Support
WYSO Miami Valley Public Media 91.3
12.2015 - 12.2024
- Consistently achieved fiscal year on-air advertising, digital advertising, content, trade, in-kind, and event sponsorship goals totaling more than $750,000 annually.
- Worked with leadership team and Board of Directors to establish annual revenue and expense budgets.
- Developed strategic plan and quantifiable goals to exceed annual revenue budgets. Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms and negotiated trade contracts to offset expenses.
- Reviewed and analyzed industry trends to optimize strategies.
- Managed 50% of the 150 annual business support accounts and client relationships.
- Prospected for new business and maintained a pipeline report.
- Hired, trained, and mentored Business Support Account Manager and Business Support Traffic and Events Coordinator.
- Created and maintained marketing plans and support materials for the department.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Represented WYSO at community events.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Implemented business strategies, increased revenue, and effectively targeted new markets.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Director of Sponsorship & Corporate Giving
Victoria Theatre Association
04.2012 - 07.2015
- Secured over $1.3 million in cash, in-kind, and trade sponsorships annually.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to exceed revenue goals.
- Managed Development Associate and Intern projects, including database management and reporting.
- Launched a Corporate Giving Campaign securing $17,000 in new business.
- Exceeded fiscal year-end goals by up to 7%.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
Director of Development
Planned Parenthood of Miami Valley Region
02.2008 - 04.2012
- Maintained and grew a donor base of over 500.
- Increased individual donor count by 32%.
- Achieved annual revenue goals exceeding $500,000.
- Managed volunteer groups and community outreach initiatives.
- Recruited and managed a Young Professionals Group named PUSH Dayton.
- Created and managed more than 10 fundraising and community outreach events annually.
- Worked with internal and external businesses and led cross-functional teams to develop intricate business plans.
- Wrote grants to secure funding for revenue needs.
Business Development Director
Chisano Marketing Group
03.2007 - 02.2008
- Developed new business relationships in the Midwest.
- Prepared and presented new business presentations.
- Executed new business development strategies.
- Analyzed market trends and customer needs to identify new business development opportunities.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
Advertising Director
Dayton Business Journal
02.2004 - 03.2007
- Promoted from Advertising Consultant to Advertising Director within 18 months.
- Managed a team of 5 sales representatives and 1 department administrative assistant.
- Achieved monthly and annual team revenue goals of $2.5 million.
- Represented the Dayton Business Journal at community events.
- Performed competitive analyses and adjusted sales and marketing strategies accordingly.
- Drove development of digital and print advertising strategies.
- Managed day-to-day functions of promotion and marketing departments.
- Fielded customer complaints.
- Coached account executives in sales and fulfillment strategies.
- Managed approximately 10 events annually and secured sponsors.
- Cultivated and maintained strategic alliances with key partners and vendors.
- Set department budgets according to revenue and expense projections.
Skills
- Business strategy development
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Mentoring team members
- Budget management
- Proven track record of meeting revenue goals
- Client and donor relations
- Market research expertise and data-driven reasoning
- Fundraising and event management
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Non-profit leadership
- Skilled negotiator
- Leadership
- Project oversight
- Market expansion expertise
- Strategic vendor partnerships
- Financial budget oversight
- Proficient in Allegiance, Nielsen, Asana, Canva, Microsoft Suite
Continuing Education And Training
- Successful Motivational Management Course
- Proficient with Alliegiance, Nielsen, Asana, Canva, Raiser’s Edge, Donor Perfect, ACT, Microsoft Suite
- Various AFP courses
- National Public Media Development and Marketing Conference Courses
- Various college and business training courses
Board And Volunteer Committee Experience
- House of Bread, 2023, Present
- WYSO Public Radio Resource Board, 2010, 2014
- Antioch Writers’ Workshop Board, 2011, 2013
- AIDS Resource Center Ohio Masquerage Committee, 2002, 2009
- Planned Parenthood Taste & Toast Committee, 2005, 2007
- Kids in Voting Fundraising Committee, 2004
Timeline
Director of Business Support
WYSO Miami Valley Public Media 91.3
12.2015 - 12.2024
Director of Sponsorship & Corporate Giving
Victoria Theatre Association
04.2012 - 07.2015
Director of Development
Planned Parenthood of Miami Valley Region
02.2008 - 04.2012
Business Development Director
Chisano Marketing Group
03.2007 - 02.2008
Advertising Director
Dayton Business Journal
02.2004 - 03.2007
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